U.S. to store more weapons in Israel

(JTA) — The United States will store an additional $400 million in emergency military equipment in Israel.

The new equipment, which will arrive in Israel over the next two years, will be available to Israel in the event of an emergency. It will bring to $1.2 billion the amount of American military equipment being stockpiled in Israel by 2012.

Congress approved the storage of new weapons in Israel last month, but the story was first reported this week in Defense News magazine by its Israel-based reporter, Barbara Opall-Rome. The agreement between Israel and the United States includes the conditions under which the Israel Defense Forces may use the equipment, Haaretz reported.

Israel used some U.S. stockpiles of weapons during the Second Lebanon War.

The new equipment includes smart bombs and other precision weaponry, according to reports, and can be used by U.S. troops anywhere in the world.